About
I’m Jud, an award-winning professional photojournalist who lives and works in Northern Virginia just outside Washington D.C. I started working as a photojournalist in 1992 at a little newspaper in Livingston, Montana. I was the only photographer and was responsible for shooting every single image in the newspaper each day. I worked for over 17 years as a photo/visuals editor for USA TODAY and was responsible for publishing images in the newspaper and website. I started Jud McCrehin Photography in 2007 when a friend asked me to photograph her wedding.
My father gave me my first camera, a Canon AE-1, when I was 12. I’ve known exactly what I wanted to do with my life ever since. I graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in photojournalism and have been working as a photojournalist since 1992. I’ve covered everything from local parades to traveling across the world covering the United States military training and fighting in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq.
When I’m not filling my hard drives full of images I enjoy spending time with my family and watching and photographing my 15-year-old and 19-year-old daughters play sports and grow up.
Questions? Send me a message 703-209-0559
How long have you been a photographer?
I have been a professional photojournalist for over 29 years, working for 5 different newspaper companies, including USA TODAY for 17 years, covering stories all over the world and throughout the U.S. I now operate Jud McCrehin Photography full-time.
What makes you different from other photographers?
My experience as a photojournalist makes me stand out from other photographers. I have worked in some of the most severe and dangerous conditions on the planet, all the while producing quality storytelling images for publication. Please check out my work on this site and the web to see for yourself.
What is wedding photojournalism?
I define wedding photojournalism as documenting weddings using photography creatively and unobtrusively, telling a couple’s story without interfering in the day. My approach to wedding and portrait photography uses what I’ve learned as a newspaper photographer: never being part of the story, but sensing and anticipating the moments that capture the essence of the day.
Do you take posed family photos?
Yes, a wedding photography collection would not be complete without family photos. For these portraits, I look for interesting light, angles and backgrounds to turn these portraits into works of art that you will want to hang on your walls.
How far do you travel?
My base is in Warrenton, Va. which is just outside of Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. Typically, I photograph most weddings/events and portrait sessions in the Mid-Atlantic region, but I also really like to photograph destination weddings and portraits sessions. Let me know what you have in mind.
I love your work, now what?
I photograph roughly 15 weddings/events per year and tend to book up very quickly, so please contact me as soon as possible so we can see if we are a good fit.
Will you (personally) be the photographer at my wedding or portrait session?
Yes, I’m the only photographer at Jud McCrehin Photography LLC. I do, however, use my photojournalist friends as second photographers and assistants at large weddings and/or events, if needed.
How long should we set aside for wedding day photos?
The amount of time needed depends on the events during the day you want captured. I recommend no fewer than 8 hours to ensure that photos are not rushed. Here are some recommendations:
- Preparation shots – (2-3 hours) preferably split between the bride/attendants and groom/groomsmen.
- Couples session – (1 hour) I can do this during a “first look” or wait until after you say “I do.” I recommend using a combination of both. I feel after you say “I do” the pressure is off and the images really show it.
- Ceremony – .5 to an hour
- Family portraits – (.5 hour to 1 hour) I usually photograph these right after the ceremony when everybody is easy to roundup.
- Wedding party – (.5 hour to 1 hour) This is where I take the wedding party out for some fun shots.
- Reception – (2 hours +) depending on what you want covered during the party, first dance, cake cutting, grand exit etc.
What's up with the photo booth?
How many images do you take?
I don’t set a limit. You will have access to all useable images I photograph. Typically you will receive well over 1,000 images from your wedding.
Do you have backup gear?
I photograph with two high-end professional cameras around my neck and a variety of lenses. I do bring backup gear, including extra cameras, lenses and flashes so if something breaks you will never know about it and the images will not suffer.
How can I see the images after you photograph them?
I provide my wedding, portrait and headshot clients with an online gallery and many product options to display in and hang on the walls of your home. The images from weddings and portraits are ready to view 2 weeks after the event. Headshots are available the same day in most cases.
Do you photograph engagement photos? What about headshots and families?
I love to photograph engagement portrait sessions. It is a fantastic way for us to get used to working together. That familiarity really pays off on the wedding day. I also photograph many headshots and family portrait sessions throughout the year as well.
Do you also photograph portraits and headshots?
Yes, I photograph portraits (family, senior, engagement) and headshots, as well as freelance assignments for publications and corporations.